Shelter receives donation / Names in the news

By The Free Press

Published: Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 12:47 AM.

One of the best ways to limit unwanted pest intrusions is to deny them entry — a procedure called pest proofing. Many pests seek refuge in response to weather changes, such as extended periods of rain or drought, or the onset of cooler temperatures. Taking advance steps to block their entry can greatly reduce future sightings.

These useful tips for pest proofing also include some energy conservation and increased indoor comfort. Equipment and materials can be purchased at most home improvement or hardware stores.

Install door sweeps or thresholds at the base of all exterior entry doors. A sixteenth-inch gap or less will admit insects and spiders; a fourth-inch gap will allow mice; a half-inch can bring in rats. Bottom corners often are where rodents and insects enter.

Myron Hill is a member of the Pairs and Spares Sunday school class of Northwest Christian Church.

On behalf of his class, he recently delivered supplies donated by the class members to Jasper Mewborn.

Mewborn, director of the Friends of the Homeless Shelter at 112 N. Independence St., accepted the items to be used by residents at the shelter.

Home Solutions: Pest proof your home

A single cockroach, cricket or spider can prompt the use of bug spray or a call to the exterminator. Despite high-profile inside presence, most pests have either flown or crawled in from outside.

One of the best ways to limit unwanted pest intrusions is to deny them entry — a procedure called pest proofing. Many pests seek refuge in response to weather changes, such as extended periods of rain or drought, or the onset of cooler temperatures. Taking advance steps to block their entry can greatly reduce future sightings.

These useful tips for pest proofing also include some energy conservation and increased indoor comfort. Equipment and materials can be purchased at most home improvement or hardware stores.

Install door sweeps or thresholds at the base of all exterior entry doors. A sixteenth-inch gap or less will admit insects and spiders; a fourth-inch gap will allow mice; a half-inch can bring in rats. Bottom corners often are where rodents and insects enter.

Homeowners who don’t tackle these activities might consider hiring a professional pest control firm, which offers pest proofing and other services. When all else fails, a vacuum cleaner or broom can be the best response to that occasional bug.

Source: University of Kentucky Entomology

Trudy W. Pickett is extension family and consumer agent at the Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Office, 1791 N.C. 11/55. Reach her at 252-527-2191 or trudy_pickett@ncsu.edu.